Books like 'The Light Jar'
Readers who enjoyed The Light Jar by Lisa Thompson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary fantasy mystery action / adventure magical-realism family children realistic friendship survival
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A Dangerous Path by Erin Hunter
32 ratingsShadowClan has a dark new leader, but will he be satisfied with his power now -- or does his desire for revenge burn even more strongly? Fireheart fears that there is a connection between the rise of Tigerstar and the terrible dreams that haunt his nights, murmuring of danger and death...Categorized as:
children family friendship realistic survival action-adventure animals anthropomorphism -
The Candymakers by Wendy Mass
26 ratingsFour children have been chosen to compete in a national competition to find the tastiest confection in the country...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure -
The Last Present by Wendy Mass
18 ratingsDon't miss the latest entry in the incredible Willow Falls series by Wendy Mass!Amanda and Leo have a history with birthdays. Now their friend's little sister, Grace, has fallen into a strange frozen state on her birthday, and Amanda and Leo must travel in time in order to fix whatever's wrong. As they journey back to each of Grace's birthdays, they start seeing all sorts of patterns . .Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure audiobook -
The Falcon's Feather by Trudi Trueit
10 ratingsCruz, Sailor, and Emmett, along with their new ally Bryndis, embark on their first globe-trotting mission aboard the ship Orion. Cruz jumps right back into school and starts using the latest technology in submersible underwater dives, but is soon reminded of the dangers of exploration when his equipment fails and he almost drowns...Categorized as:
children friendship law-enforcement action-adventure book children-books contemporary fiction -
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Thea Stilton and the Legend of the Fire Flowers by Thea Stilton
14 ratingsJoin Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters in this adventure packed with mystery and friendship!The Thea Sisters are in Hawaii to compete in an international hula festival. The mouselets are having a great time -- until they learn that the festival is located on the side of a volcano that is about to erupt! No one else seems know about the danger...Categorized as:
children friendship law-enforcement action-adventure animals anthropomorphism book children-books -
Big Trouble in the Big Apple by Thea Stilton, Tea Stilton
16 ratingsGeronimo's adventurous sister Thea narrates this fabulous adventure that's packed with action, mystery, and friendship! The Thea Sisters are off to New York City for another fabumouse adventure! Nicky has been training to run the Big Apple Marathon, and her friends are there to support her. While in the city, they all visit Pamela's family and have a delicious dinner at the family's pizzeria...Categorized as:
children friendship law-enforcement action-adventure animals book children-books contemporary -
This Book Is Not Good for You by Pseudonymous Bosch
27 ratingsBetween the pages of this book lies the secret to the best-tasting chocolate in all the world. I promise, your taste buds will tingle. Your palette will sing! Oh no, have I accidentally tempted you to read this book? I will warn you, however, the most delicious things are never good for you..Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure -
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart
30 ratingsChildrenYou must not comeSTOPDangerousThe Mysterious Benedict Society is back with a new mission: to go on a mind-bending international scavenger hunt designed to engage their individual talents. As they search for all the clues and riddles Mr...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement realistic action-adventure audiobook book -
Some Kind of Happiness by Claire Legrand
18 ratingsTHINGS FINLEY HART DOESN’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT• Her parents, who are having problems. (But they pretend like they’re not.)• Being sent to her grandparents’ house for the summer.• Never having met said grandparents.• Her blue days—when life feels overwhelming, and it’s hard to keep her head up. (This happens a lot...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure book -
Thea Stilton and the Missing Myth by Thea Stilton
12 ratingsJoin Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters on an adventure packed with mystery and friendship! While on vacation in Greece, the Thea Sisters make friends with a company of actors. They are rehearsing for a show that's about to open--and Colette ends up standing in for an actress who falls ill! Suddenly, right before the performance, the lead actor goes missing...Categorized as:
children law-enforcement action-adventure book children-books contemporary fiction middle-grade -
13 Gifts by Wendy Mass
24 ratingsWendy Mass turns to another magical birthday: 13!When Tara, a self-proclaimed shrinking violet, steals the school mascot, a goat, in order to make some friends with the popular crowd and gets caught, she gets herself in a heap of trouble...Categorized as:
children family friendship magical-realism realistic action-adventure audiobook book -
Trust No One by Linda Sue Park
24 ratingsWhen seven members of their family were kidnapped, thirteen-year-old Dan Cahill and his older sister, Amy, got ready for the fight of their lives. But their enemy, a terrifying group known as the Vespers, remained frustratingly elusive. They stay in the shadows, picking off Cahills one by one...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement realistic survival action-adventure audiobook -
This Isn't What It Looks Like by Pseudonymous Bosch, Robert Petkoff
25 ratingsThe Secret Series continues in this dangerous and daring fourth adventure. Cass finds herself alone and disoriented, a stranger in a dream-like, medieval world. Where is she? Who is she? With the help of a long-lost relative, she begins to uncover clues and secrets--piecing together her family's history as she fights her way back to the present world... -
The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase by Wendy Mass, Mark Turetsky
16 ratingsThe highly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel The Candymakers by beloved author Wendy MassIt has been a few months since the nationwide New Candy Contest, and Logan, Miles, Philip, and Daisy have returned to their regular lives. But when the winning candy bar comes down the conveyor belt at the Life is Sweet candy factory, Logan realizes something's very wrong...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure audiobook -
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Eleven Birthdays by Wendy Mass
29 ratingsGROUNDHOG DAY meets FLIPPED in this tale of a girl stuck in her birthday.It's Amanda's 11th birthday and she is super excited -- after all, 11 is so different from 10. But from the start, everything goes wrong. The worst part of it all is that she and her best friend, Leo, with whom she's shared every birthday, are on the outs and this will be the first birthday they haven't shared together...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure audiobook -
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien
45 ratingsMrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse with four small children, must move her family to their summer quarters immediately, or face almost certain death. But her youngest son, Timothy, lies ill with pneumonia and must not be moved. Fortunately, she encounters the rats of NIMH, an extraordinary breed of highly intelligent creatures, who come up with a brilliant solution to her dilemma...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism survival 20th-century action-adventure -
Nowhere to Run by Jude Watson
18 ratingsThe Cahill family has a secret. For five hundred years, they have guarded the 39 Clues – thirty-nine ingredients in a serum that transforms whomever takes it into the most powerful person on earth. If the serum got into the wrong hands, the disaster would rock the world. So certain Cahills have always made it their mission to keep the serum safe, buried, locked away. Until now... -
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
6 ratingsYears ago, a reclusive mega-bestselling children’s author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand-new book and a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner’s life in this absorbing and whimsical novel.“Clever, dark, and hopeful . . -
Demon Dentist by David Walliams
24 ratingsThis New York Times bestseller from David Walliams, the UK’s #1 bestselling children’s author and “the heir to Roald Dahl” (The Spectator), launched his books stateside in a big way!Walliams makes going to the dentist a wacky adventure with his signature humor—this is one dentist appointment you don’t want to miss.Something strange is happening in Alfie's town...Categorized as:
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Finally by Wendy Mass
24 ratingsA humorous look at what it means to FINALLY turn twelve years old.NARRATOR: TBAFORMAT: 5 CDs, UnabridgedYou can pierce your ears when you're twelve. You can go to the mall with your friends when you're twelve. You can babysit little Timmy next door when you're twelve. You can get a cell phone when you're twelve. Hey, you can even ride in the front passenger-side seat when you're twelve...Categorized as:
children friendship low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure audiobook book -
Deep and Dark and Dangerous (A Ghost Story) by Mary Downing Hahn
24 ratingsJust before summer begins, 13-year-old Ali finds an odd photograph in the attic. She knows the two children in it are her mother, Claire, and her aunt Dulcie...Categorized as:
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The Dead of Night by Peter Lerangis
24 ratingsA LIFE ON THE LINEWhen seven members of his family were kidnapped by the Vespers, thirteen-year-old Dan Cahill knew he was in for the fight of his life. He knew he was up against an impossibly powerful enemy. And Dan knew the odds were that some of his family members wouldn't make it.But even as Dan steels himself to accept these facts, the unthinkable happens...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement realistic survival action-adventure audiobook -
Shatterproof by Roland Smith
26 ratingsAfter pulling some spectacular heists, Amy and Dan have become two of Interpol's most wanted criminals. So when Vesper One orders them to steal the world's largest diamond, they know they're facing life in prison...or worse. But with the Cahill hostages still in peril, Amy and Dan have no choice but to launch a mission that leads them to an ancient city full of dangerous secrets... -
Smells Like Treasure by Suzanne Selfors
10 ratingsWhen Homer Pudding receives a mysterious note emblazoned with the letters L.O.S.T., he knows the moment he has been waiting for has arrived. It is time to meet the society of Legends, Objects, Secrets, and Treasures, take his Uncle's place, and become a true adventurer. With his best friend, Dog, at his side, everything seems to be going as planned..Categorized as:
children law-enforcement realistic action-adventure animals book children-books contemporary -
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If You're Reading This, It's Too Late by Pseudonymous Bosch
27 ratingsBeware!Dangerous secrets lie between the pages of this book.OK, I warned you. But if you think I'll give anything away, or tell you that this is the sequel to my first literary endeavor, The Name of This Book is Secret, you're wrong...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure -
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
31 ratingsA New York Times BestsellerKyle Keeley is the class clown, popular with most kids, (if not the teachers), and an ardent fan of all games: board games, word games, and particularly video games. His hero, Luigi Lemoncello, the most notorious and creative gamemaker in the world, just so happens to be the genius behind the building of the new town library...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement realistic action-adventure audiobook book -
The Second Story by Neil Patrick Harris
16 ratingsGrowing up in an orphanage, Leila was bullied for being different. But she turned her hardship into skill by becoming an escape artist—a valuable trait when belonging to a group of magical best friends. When a famous psychic comes to town, however, Leila and her pals won't be able to escape the big mystery heading their way...Categorized as:
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The Lost Fairy Tales by Anna James
16 ratingsThe second magical bookwandering adventure in the nationally bestselling Pages & Co. series, featuring Tilly Pages as she journeys to France to wander inside a peculiar book of fairytales. Perfect for fans of Inkheart and The Land of Stories...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism 21st-century action-adventure audiobook -
The Seventh Wish by Kate Messner
16 ratingsCharlie feels like she's always coming in last. From her Mom's new job to her sister's life at college, everything seems more important than Charlie. Then one day while ice fishing, Charlie makes a discovery that will change everything . . . in the form of a floppy fish offering to grant a wish in exchange for freedom...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure animals -
The Mysterious Benedict Society: Mr. Benedict's Book of Perplexing Puzzles, Elusive Enigmas, and Curious Conundrums by Trenton Lee Stewart, Diana Sudyka
16 ratingsThis exclusive companion book to the bestselling Mysterious Benedict Society series is a mind-bending collection that will put YOU to the test! With full-color artwork throughout, this companion features ingenious new puzzles, riddles, and brainteasers compiled by Mr. Benedict himself, with the help of Reynie, Kate, Sticky, Constance, and other Society associates...Categorized as:
children friendship law-enforcement realistic action-adventure book children-books contemporary -
The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Riddle of Ages by Trenton Lee Stewart, Eric Pollins
18 ratingsThe brilliant and beloved gang from the New York Times bestselling series is back! Since The Mysterious Benedict Society debuted twelve years ago, the series has become a modern classic, drawing comparisons to J.K. Rowling and Roald Dahl and selling over three million copies. Some time has passed since the inimitable quartet of Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance have had a mission together...Categorized as:
children friendship law-enforcement realistic action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
"Shouldn't You Be in School?" by Lemony Snicket
18 ratingsIs Lemony Snicket a detective or a smoke detector? Do you smell smoke? Young apprentice Lemony Snicket is investigating a case of arson but soon finds himself enveloped in the ever-increasing mystery that haunts the town of Stain'd-by-the-Sea...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement realistic action-adventure audiobook book -
Arcade Catastrophe by Brandon Mull
20 ratingsIt will take more than magical candy to win this war!Something fishy is going on over at the new amusement centre in Walnut Hills. The trouble seems linked to the mysterious disappearance of Mozag and John Dart, who have spent their lives policing the magical community...Categorized as:
children family low-fantasy realistic action-adventure audiobook book children-books -
A King's Ransom by Jude Watson
26 ratingsAmy and Dan are in a race for their lives . . . and the enemy may be even closer than they think.When seven members of their family were kidnapped by a sinister organization known as the Vespers, thirteen-year-old Dan Cahill and his older sister, Amy, vowed they'd stop at nothing to bring the hostages home. But then the ransom comes in and the Vespers demand the impossible... -
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Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks
28 ratingsImaginary friend Budo narrates this heartwarming story of love, loyalty, and the power of the imagination—the perfect read for anyone who has ever had a friend . . . real or otherwise.Budo is lucky as imaginary friends go. He's been alive for more than five years, which is positively ancient in the world of imaginary friends...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism realistic survival 21st-century -
Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins? by Liz Kessler
10 ratingsJessica Jenkins has always been a perfectly ordinary girl—until one day part of her arm vanishes in the middle of geography class! Jessica’s friends Izzy and Tom are determined to help her develop her newfound invisibility, though Jessica is more concerned with discovering where the ability came from...Categorized as:
children friendship low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure book children-books contemporary -
The Missing Piece of Charlie O'Reilly by Rebecca Ansari
10 ratingsCharlie O’Reilly is an only child. Which is why it makes everyone uncomfortable when he talks about his brother. Liam, his eight-year-old kid brother, who, up until a year ago, slept in the bunk above Charlie, took pride in being as annoying as possible, and was the only person who could make Charlie laugh until it hurt.Then came the morning when the bunk, and Liam, disappeared forever...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure book children-books -
The Last Leopard by Lauren St. John
12 ratingsMartine can't wait to spend the school vacation riding her white giraffe around the Sawubona wildlife reserve with her friend Ben. But when her grandmother gets a distressed call from an old friend, Martine's hopes are dashed. They must all travel to Zimbabwe, where Martine will face her greatest challenge yet... -
The Elephant's Girl by Celesta Rimington
12 ratingsA magical adventure for fans of Katherine Applegate and Jennifer Holm about a girl with a mysterious connection to the elephant who saved her life.An elephant never forgets, but Lexington Willow can't remember her past. Swept away by a tornado as a toddler, she was dropped in a nearby Nebraska zoo, where an elephant named Nyah protected her from the storm...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure -
Dolphin Song by Lauren St. John
14 ratingsJust as Martine is settling into life on the wildlife game reserve, she is whisked away on a school trip. She must leave her white giraffe, Jemmy, for 2 weeks! Her class is going on an ocean voyage to witness the Sardine Run, a spectacular natural phenomenon, off the coast of South Africa...Categorized as:
children low-fantasy magical-realism realistic survival action-adventure animals audiobook -
What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible by Ross Welford
14 ratingsA surprising, stunningly beautiful, and funny novel about a girl who turns invisible and, in the process, discovers who she really is, from the author of TIME TRAVELING WITH A HAMSTER Twelve-year-old Ethel Leatherhead only meant to cure her acne, not turn herself invisible. But that's exactly what happens when she combines herbs bought on the Internet with time spent in a secondhand tanning bed...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure animals -
Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor by Ally Carter
14 ratings“A fast-paced thrill ride of a book. . . it’s Batman meets Annie.” —Stuart Gibbs, New York Times best-selling author of the Spy School series “An adventure-filled read with a twisty mystery and spunky friendships. I loved it!” –Melissa de la Cruz, New York Times best-selling author of The Descendants series April didn't mean to start the fire. She wasn’t the one who broke the vase...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement realistic action-adventure audiobook boarding-school -
Long Lost by Jacqueline West
14 ratingsEleven-year-old Fiona has just read a book that doesn’t exist. When Fiona’s family moves to be closer to her older sister’s figure skating club—and far from Fiona’s close-knit group of friends—nobody seems to notice Fiona’s unhappiness. Alone and out of place, Fiona ventures to the town’s library, a rambling mansion donated to the town by the long-dead heiress...Categorized as:
magical-realism children family realistic law-enforcement low-fantasy middle-grade fantasy -
Ghosts of Greenglass House by Kate Milford, Jaime Zollars
16 ratingsWelcome back to the irresistible world of Greenglass House where thirteen-year-old Milo is, once again, spending the winter holidays stuck in a house full of strange guests who are not what they seem. There are fresh clues to uncover as friends old and new join in his search for a mysterious map and a famous smuggler’s lost haul...Categorized as:
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The Key to Extraordinary by Natalie Lloyd
18 ratingsEveryone in Emma's family is special. Her ancestors include Revolutionary War spies, brilliant scientists, and famous musicians--every single one of which learned of their extraordinary destiny through a dream. For Emma, her own dream can't come soon enough...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure -
"Why Is This Night Different from All Other Nights?" by Lemony Snicket
18 ratingsTrain travel! Murder! Librarians! A Series Finale!On all other nights, the train departs from Stain'd Station and travels to the city without stopping. But not tonight. You might ask, why is this night different from all other nights? But that's the wrong question...Categorized as:
children family law-enforcement low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure audiobook -
The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage, Lauren Fortgang
18 ratingsThe eagerly anticipated followup to the Newbery honor winner and New York Times bestseller, Three Times LuckySmall towns have rules. One is, you got to stay who you are -- no matter how many murders you solve.When Miss Lana makes an Accidental Bid at the Tupelo auction and winds up the mortified owner of an old inn, she doesn't realize there's a ghost in the fine print...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure -
The Medusa Plot by Gordon Korman
26 ratingsAre you ready to save the world? The bestselling series returns with an adventure spanning 6 explosive books, 2 secret-filled card packs, and a website that places readers right in the action.Thirteen-year-old Dan Cahill and his older sister, Amy, thought they belonged to the world's most powerful family. They thought the hunt for 39 Clues leading to the source of that power was over...Categorized as:
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The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
33 ratingsWarning: this description has not been authorized by Pseudonymous Bosch. As much as he'd love to sing the praises of his book (he is very vain), he wouldn't want you to hear about his brave 11-year old heroes, Cass and Max-Ernest. Or about how a mysterious box of vials, the Symphony of Smells, sends them on the trail of a magician who has vanished under strange (and stinky) circumstances...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure -
The Emperor's Code by Gordon Korman
31 ratingsAs the race to find the 39 Clues builds to its explosive finish, Amy and Dan must explore an ancient culture and steal a Clue guarded by thousands of the world's best-trained soldiers. It's the most dangerous Clue search yet. As their enemies crowd in, Amy and Dan find themselves separated for the first time ever...Categorized as:
children family friendship law-enforcement realistic action-adventure audiobook book
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